Gig Coverage: An Evening With Corey Taylor at Irving Plaza (8/9)

In support of his new book titled America 51: A Probe into the Realities That Are Hiding Inside “The Greatest Country in the World,” rock hero Corey Taylor (Slipknot, Stone Sour) is currently wrapping up a handful of book signing sessions and solo appearances, which included a sold-out affair at New York City’s Irving Plaza on August 9.

Corey hit the stage at around 8pm, leading the evening with a short, entertaining monologue and briefly fielding questions from rowdy fans. The meat of Taylor‘s two-and-a-half-hour show came in the form of an acoustic performance, kicking off with a cover of Johnny Cash‘s “Folsom Prison Blues.” Corey‘s popular “Bother” track followed, immediately provoking a heavy roar and sing-along from the audience. An unplugged Taylor went on to dish out Stone Sour songs “Miracles” and “Taciturn,” Slipknot‘s “Snuff” and Nine Inch Nails‘ “Something I Can Never Have,” before introducing his first guest, Stone Sour guitarist Christian Martucci.

Loud howls of “TUUUUUUUUUUUCC” filled the popular NYC venue as the two Stone Sour members played Creedence Clearwater Revival‘s “Have You Ever Seen the Rain?” and R.E.M.‘s “The One I Love.” A third Stone Sour comrade, drummer / percussionist Roy Mayorga, joined in with his cajón for Stone Sour favorites “Zzyzx Rd.,” “The Conflagration,” “30/30-150,” “St. Marie,” “Song #3” and “Through Glass.”

As part of the encore, Anthrax bassist Frank Bello charged the stage, joining Taylor, Martucci and Mayorga for covers of classic songs from the Eagles, Hall & Oates, Pink Floyd, The Rolling Stones, Kiss and the Ramones. Corey closed out his robust set with a memorable version of Slipknot‘s “Spit It Out,” demanding fans “hop on one foot” during the song’s “Jump The Fuck Up” moment (and you better believe the crowd obliged). With a guitar pick toss and a final wave, Taylor exited stage left while chants of “COREY! COREY! COREY!” echoed through the building.

For all upcoming Corey Taylor and Stone Sour tour dates, go here. Check out what’s coming up at Irving Plaza at this location. Scroll down below for photos from the NYC show.